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Posts: 3,659
By: - 24th April 2024 at 13:34 Permalink - Edited 24th April 2024 at 13:46
Hi All,
Firstly hank you for the post Prop Strike and hope you don't mind I have added some extra content for all. :- )
Has to be one of the most talented artist the UK has ever produced, never mind the memories that must flood back for those who built model aircraft not just Airfix and read his books etc. etc.
I urge everyone to wish Roy a belated Happy Birthday by sending him a wish via his sons website dedicated to his father:- http://roycrossfineart.co.uk/about-me
I was in contact with his son Anthony a couple of times regarding somebody selling his artwork as there own on EBay.
Sadly he said that Airfix hold the rights to all his fathers work he did for them and I should contact them, especially as I also enquired about obtaining prints of his artwork with the possibility of having them Remarqued and signed.
This was in particular the B-29 art which I still think it is one of the best images featuring this aircraft even today, and there are so many, Short Sunderland (Ref OP), Wellington, his double kit features were something else etc. etc. etc.
I think it so sad that Mr Cross does not have more recognition for his service to the artworld and I am sure that while he was earning a living if Airfix had the foresight they could have released many of his artwork pieces and passed on a gratuity to Mr Cross.
Belated Many Happy Returns to the great man himself 100 not out Well done Sir!
Links and description below courtesy of the Youtube producer:- www.matteline.com
Roy Cross is the brilliant artist behind so many classic illustrations for the famous AIRFIX model kits of the 1960s and 70s. Indeed for a certain age group Roy's Box art helped to define the kits themselves, and an era - growing up in Britain in the 1970s. On the occasion of Roy's 100th Birthday this short video is a small celebration of his work highlighting just a handful of my personal favourites kit box tops. Model Kit box art is a fascinating field - the artwork has to not only accurately portray the subject of the kit itself, but also provide a context of the purpose, or activity of the subject, and present it in an appealing way. Many kits were, or still are, purchased based largely on the box art. Roy Cross's artwork continues to inspire me to make models, and draw and paint. Thank You Roy for all of your amazing work. Happy Birthday to Roy. Born - April 23rd 1924 100 years old this year!
The Art of Roy Cross https://amzn.eu/d/4WWqT84
The Vintage Years of Airfix Box Art https://amzn.eu/d/62mol4g
More Vintage Years of Airfix Box Art https://amzn.eu/d/7yqo4ND
Celebration of Flight: The Aviation Art of Roy Cross https://amzn.eu/d/5gCTg7H
Celebration of Sail: The Marine Art of Roy Cross https://amzn.eu/d/7R0kLRt
The Tall Ship in Art https://amzn.eu/d/4vNZwUI
Geoff.
By: - 25th April 2024 at 02:50 Permalink - Edited 25th April 2024 at 03:11
The first aircraft book I received (as a Christmas present, circa 1965), was his little known work Bomber Aircraft Pocketbook, published by Sports Car Press.
My parents no doubt wondered why a young boy would want such a thing, perhaps they were just happy I was reading, or pleased I wasn't reading typical children's titles.
A couple of years later, I was able to get a copy of his 1962 work, Fighter Aircraft Pocketbook.
To acquire the latter, I had to go to the book depart of the city's largest department store. There a kindly woman looked through a book which must have been 5" thick to get the info necessary to order one. Then I had to wait six weeks for the book to arrive....if I could get it at all, after all it was coming all the way from London and was a very esoteric title.
If you're too young to recall the old days, you probably don't appreciate how marvelous the internet, and internet book stores, are.
The books are straightforward histories of the types in each categories ranging from the early days to the (then) present.
They are similar to William Green's multi volume War Planes of the Second World War (which were also published in the U.S. and thus a bit easier to find) or the Observer's Book of Aircraft series in general size and layout.
The types would be illustrated with a photo or two,.(illustrating the main variants), the end of each type, there would be dimensions and performance data in small boldface type.
After 30:years, my two copies fell victim to the chewing of a basset hound puppy, but I was quickly able to find brand new replacements at a used book store (which specialized in aviation titles) in Dayton, Ohio.
Happy Birthday Mr. Cross.
I'm probably the only guy who knows him more from his books than box art. Airfix kits weren't very common in the American heartland back then.
By: - 25th April 2024 at 09:15 Permalink
It just goes to show, you get infected with aviation at a very early age, and a lifetime later, you still can't shake it off.
My son, aged twelve, devours model kits, but his research and interest in those aircraft and their campaigns has given him an understanding of 20th century history, national and international geography, and technology that far, far outstrips the knowledge of his school contemporaries.
And people like Mr Cross must take much of the blame ! ( and we thank you for it.. )
By: - 25th April 2024 at 09:21 Permalink
Roy Cross should really be as well known as Robert Taylor ,Happy Birthday young man.
Posts: 3,659
By: - 25th April 2024 at 12:21 Permalink - Edited 25th April 2024 at 12:23
Hi All,
Received this from Mr Cross's son today:-
A quick line of thanks to you and all of dad's well wishers; although he is not too well at the moment, we were able to share with him all your kind comments and birthday messages on his special day. Thank you for making it a really special occasion. Anthony Cross
Just marvellous shows you how this interweb thingy can be useful at times, putting you in touch with others who would normally have special occasions pass by with no recognition from those they influenced through their lives as they grow up over the years.
Geoff.
By: - 4th May 2024 at 15:25 Permalink
It looks like Roy Cross has passed away , R I P https://www.facebook.com/MarkPostlethwaiteGAvA
"
Very sad to hear that we've lost another Legend of aviation art with the passing of Roy Cross at the age of 100. Roy was of course the chap who painted Airfix's box art during the glory days and inspired most of us current aviation artists in our youth. For me his 1/24 kit Hurricane painting was one of his best. I remember receiving this kit twice for Christmas and both times just spending hours starting at the box art! What was your favourite of his?
Roy, you were an inspiration to us all, RIP."
Posts: 471
By: Prop Strike - 24th April 2024 at 09:30 - Edited 24th April 2024 at 09:33
Many, even most, enthusiasts for historic aviation will have had their interest stoked by model aircraft kits, especially Airfix, and the artwork of Roy Cross was a big part of the appeal, with classic images such as the Lancaster with the burning engine, and the Sunderland fighting off the Condor!
Roy turns 100 today, congratulations Sir, many people have had a life-long hobby, or even a career fostered by your work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGr-mfkNcYM Video compilation of artwork ( 6 mins)